Impact assessment of agro meteorological advisory services to farmers in palghar district

A study was undertaken under Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva (GKMS)–District Agromet Unit (DAMU) scheme running under the guidance of India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Council Agricultural Research, New Delhi. The aim of this study was to provide weather based agro advisory bulletin to the farmers based on the weather forecast. A feedback survey of 150 farmers of Palghar district was conducted during 2021 and results had showed that the farmers who followed the agromet advisories are able to reduce the input cost and increases in the net profit. 64%of the farmers were followed weather-based agro advisory bulletin in all practices of crop cultivation. 65% of the farmers were highly satisfied with these Agromet Advisory Services (AAS). 35.3 % (53) farmers saved 6000-10000 rs. by following agro advisory regularly, followed by 32% (48) of farmers saved Rs.0-5000 of their production cost because of timely getting weather forecast and Agromet Advisory Bulletins (AAB) by DAMU. The study concluded that the application of agromet advisory services, based on current and forecasted weather is helpful for enhancing the crop production and income too.